Scottish waste strikes having major impact
From day one, the strike action across many of Scotland’s councils in waste services has had a huge impact. Strikes for 8 days began yesterday (Wednesday) by Unite members in 13 local authorities. Edinburgh has been on strike since last week.
They will be joined tomorrow (Friday) by Unison and GMB members in a number of other council areas. In all 21 councils will see strikes across waste services. The action is headline news in the press, TV and radio while politicians are busy blaming each other.
There has been a large mobilisation at picket lines across the country, overwhelmingly supported by the public.
The anger over the insulting 5% pay offer from CoSLA, supported by the Scottish government, is intense. With inflation rampant at over 12% and expected to rise to 18% early next year, these below-inflation pay offers are an insult.
One of the most important features of the strikes thus far has been the refusal of Unison and GMB members to cross the Unite picket lines – from Friday the GMB and Unison will be taking action themselves, adding to the number of areas where strike action will be taking place in the bin depots and recycling centres etc across Scotland.
Socialist Party Scotland and the National Shop Stewards Network (www.shopstewards.net) are supporting national coordinated action across the public and private sector. We say strike together – coordinate the action – build towards a 24-hour general strike.
With the local government waste strikes spreading, CWU members in Royal Mail, BT and Openreach taking action and school and nurseries due to strike in early September, it’s clear that the working class is back and fighting for their rights as the recent railworkers strikes among others has proven.
Now the TUC and STUC need to step up and build coordinated action as a step towards a 24-hour general strike over the cost of living crisis.
Picket line reports
Dundee
The Unite waste picket line was at least 60-strong. The picket had been set up from 5am. Socialist Party Scotland leaflets was snatched up and Unite members keen to discuss. Dundee City Unison brought solidarity. Strikers were prepared to take further strike days and keen to coordinate with other disputes and strike action being taken by other unions.
Glasgow
The four main waste depots in Glasgow were closed on day one of the strike. A majority of GMB and UNISON members didn’t cross Unite picket lines. Socialist Party Scotland visited Blochairn and St Rollox pickets in Glasgow. There was a determined mood and palpable anger towards CoSLA’s insulting offer of 5%. Pickets praised our leaflets slogan of “all strike together”. GMB and Unison members at Blochairn joined the picket and will be on strike officially from Friday.
Aberdeen
The waste workers picket was lively with the workers frustrated with the current situation but hopeful for a good resolution. Around 40 Unite members were in attendance, many holding up banners and flags and eager our leaflets.
Edinburgh
Waste and bin workers have been on strike for a week now. There has been a joint Unite and GMB picket at a number of workplaces and the mood is very good for sticking it out to the end. When CoSLA gave their 5% package, the feeling was that the negotiation team should reject it.
Thornliebank
The picket lines at the Thornliebank depot in East Renfrewshire were packed. The bin service is shutdown and other services massively impacted. There was large public support with cars tooting in support. Pickets spoke about the long-term issues of not being valued and treated like dirt by council bosses. Many Unison members refused to cross the picket lines.
